Opinions on this Wagoneer?

[michel77]

Hi All,
Mostly lurking here, been looking into getting a 4x4 for weekend (skiing) trips and other little trips here and there, some off-roading etc.
Since I'm not a huge fan of the more modern style mall-cruisers, I've been looking at the older Jeeps as well as Landcruisers (FJ60 and 62's). Came across this on an otherwise fruitless Craigslist search and thought it looked/sounded interesting. Being a complete newbie to Jeeps, I was hoping you could give me some opinions on this one, esp. the engine conversion and its reliability as well as its pricing..
http://seattle.craigslist.org/kit/cto/1624230806.html

Thanks in advance!!

 

[link30204]

I had a '76 Cherokee, Loved it. very reliable, comfortable and fun. Only 2 things I didnt like about it were

1. QuadraTrac full time 4x4 with no low range. wished it had low range and part time 4x4 to improve gas millage and lessen wear and tear.

2. rear window regulator frame broke every time I took it trail riding, I never did any hardcore rock crawling or jumping. replace it multiple times with new factory replacements then eventual gave up and had a vinyl window made up that snapped into place.

 

[BKCowGod]

Michael - just FYI, there is no engine conversion... that is the factory engine and tranny (though with a few mods). I love my 360, but you're gonna have to learn to deal with 14mpg as the pinnacle of your fuel sipping ability. You also have to get used to weak brakes, antiquated power steering, wiring that is not up to modern standards, and a dashboard and ventilation system that have never heard of ergonomics.

That said, I would jump in my Cherk and drive to Alaska right now.

 

[michel77]

Michael - just FYI, there is no engine conversion... that is the factory engine and tranny (though with a few mods). I love my 360, but you're gonna have to learn to deal with 14mpg as the pinnacle of your fuel sipping ability. You also have to get used to weak brakes, antiquated power steering, wiring that is not up to modern standards, and a dashboard and ventilation system that have never heard of ergonomics.

That said, I would jump in my Cherk and drive to Alaska right now.

Thanks for the opinions. And yeah, like I said, I'm a newbie and after posting this figured it was the original engine and tranny... eepwall:
Fuel consumption is not my main concern when shopping for these rigs, your other comments don't make it sound like it would be the truck of choice but nevertheless, I do like them and may just go check this one out in person.

 

[BKCowGod]

Thanks for the opinions. And yeah, like I said, I'm a newbie and after posting this figured it was the original engine and tranny... eepwall:
Fuel consumption is not my main concern when shopping for these rigs, your other comments don't make it sound like it would be the truck of choice but nevertheless, I do like them and may just go check this one out in person.

You definitely have to want a Cherokee/Wagoneer... But all the older beast-like SUV's have their special quirks. It's just a matter of figuring out what you are willing to deal with in order to not be in a cookie cutter. As you can see from my sig, I have developed a taste for the 1980's - I have more touchy and rudimentary engine management systems, but there's also much less chance of having a computer crash on me or having a check engine light come on and send the truck into "limp mode"

 

[Purzell]

I had a 1978. It was a beast! These can be had for cheap if you don't want all the stuff he did. Anyhow...go here:
www.ifsja.org
That's the best place for Full Size Jeep (FSJ) info on the web (IMO)

 

[ntsqd]

I would still own my Cherokee Chief if hadn't been so rusty. Came to me fitted with 2 fuel tanks worth 57 gallons....
I'd have possibly pizzed off the purists and done an engine swap to something easily fitted with OE EFI/Engine Management. Correct me if my memory is faulty, but my Quadra-Trac had a low range lever on the side of the trans tunnel just in front of the driver's seat.

 

[sjk99]

I think for a rebuilt engine with 60k + some bolt-on stuff + a lift in a 34 year-old vehicle does not = $6000. For that much it better be pristine which this one isn't. You can get FSJs all day for under $4000 easily. To paraphrase BkCowGod it's old-school technology so you really have like the breed and want one to put up with its maintenance needs. A similar situation to any from the same era; LandCruiser, Land Rover, Power Wagon, etc..

Maybe you're looking in the wrong part of the country.
here: http://phoenix.craigslist.org/search/cta?query=wagoneer&catAbbreviation=cta

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/search/cta?query=landcruiser&catAbbreviation=cta

You could fly down, stay in a resort, buy one from either category and drive it back for less than that thing. (well, maybe not the $29,000 81 FJ40.)

 

[getlost4x4]

i just got one out of the junkyard for $500.

it has the 401 V8, TH400, BW1339 QT-lowrange, 72K miles no rust

i just sold the motor for $780 and bought a turbo diesel for $350 to replace the 401.

these things are really simple to work on. the suspension is a little rough but you won't be worrying about it breaking.

i think that one is a bit high in price. i'd keep looking around.

 

[ccarley]

I would definitely say that if you want a Wagoneer, you should wait until you find one that is less expensive. Around my parts, there are some super nice late model Grand Wagoneers going for the $4000 range, and these live in some very nice (ritzy, Mercedez Benz driving, $1mill houses) areas.

I paid $1500 for my '87. The body is straight, however the interior has sagging headliner, and there are always the random things going wrong. I tell people that you need to be a mechanic to own one (I get approached all the time from people who want it!).

In my area, I've seen them go for as little as $200, but never as high as $6000, even with a lift and engine mods.

Here's one that I still think is overpriced:
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/cto/1625804680.html
But in these parts (California), a pre smog vehicle is just about gold!

Good luck in your search. I love mine, it's my daily driver.